One of the chaps (Winco) on Prune has also been on the phone to the nice young lady at the council. she was very sympathetic it seems and gave him some advice, which may be worth bearing in mind in your letters.

I have just put the phone down following a lengthy conversation with the case officer who is dealing with this deplorable affair. I asked her what was needed to influence the council in making their decision and was advised as follows:

1. Counter any argument suggesting an increase in road traffic
2. Counter any argument pertaining to 'degrading' the area because of its change of use, or changing the charachter of the lane. Also counter the 'detrimental' effect it will have on the ambiance of the lane.
3. Counter any argument regarding the request to install wheelchair ramps - quote the Disability Act whereby it is an offence to discriminate against disabled people.
4. Argue the need for our service men and women to have family close at hand on their return from the Gulf or wherever, and for their continued recovery.

The lady also said that she (they) had received a great many letters of support for SSAFA, so please keep the letters and e mails coming.

Is anybody else having difficulty reading the letters on the councils website??

Ord Sgt
I don't think your letter sounds condescending

Well, mines there.
It's not much, but it's still a support rather then objection.
To be truthful, my black crayon went blunt......

Originally Posted by Ord_Sgt

OK I've put this together but is it perhaps a little condescending? Any thoughts?

18th July 2007

Miss Lesley Westphal
Planning Department
Mole Valley District Council


Re: Planning Application MO/2007/0863 Change of Use 36 Grays Lane, Ashtead, KT21 1BU

Dear Miss Westphal,

I would like to offer my support for the planning application submitted by SSAFA referenced above. This is a sorely needed facility to help support the families of the brave young men and women of this country who, through their self sacrifice have suffered sometimes horrific injuries in our name. Whatever ones personal politics on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan these young people had no choice in the decisions that were taken but willingly did what was asked of them. That they then suffered in silence with only the wish that their families may be close to them as they try to rebuild bodies and minds is truly humbling and deserving the unreserved support of any self respecting person. As a former Soldier I have witnessed the difficulties coping some families of friends and comrades have when one is injured or wounded. Anything that lightens that burden is to be wholeheartedly supported.

I have noticed from the website that some local residents have, what at first appear legitimate concerns about this change of use, such as increased traffic and noise. Once you look beyond the understandable dislike of change that these quiet residential areas enjoy you quickly realise that these concerns are completely unfounded. Traffic will increase in a worst case scenario by a mere 12 journeys a day, equivalent to 6 residents popping to the shops for a loaf of bread or pint of milk. Clearly insignificant and a worry that locals need not upset themselves about.

Another concern was of noise, intimating late night parties and music but clearly traumatised family are hardly likely to be up to all hours playing music or consuming large amounts of alcohol which again means this worry can be dismissed as soon as some intelligent thought is applied to the reasoning.

The strange use of the word hostel to describe the proposed development is perhaps what has caused some confusion amongst some residents who express their opposition. Maybe this has conjured up an image of a half way house type building with released prisoners and drug users. This will clearly be nothing of the sort but a badly needed place for tired worried families of young service personnel who have been wounded while on operations in support of this nation. Of course any intelligent person who, once they’ve had this distinction pointed out to them would withdraw such an objection as it is completely baseless. Nobody could possibly want to deny what small comfort is to be gained by being close to loved ones who are in pain because they don’t fully understand the correct meaning of a word.

On a final note there seems to be some concern that this would be a business. Again I can only refer such objectors to a dictionary and ask them to look up the word charity, which is exactly what SSAFA is. Surely once somebody understands that a charity is not a business they would realise they were confused and any such objections would be disappear.

So in summary although I fully sympathise with the concerns of local residents, I can't see anything in any of the points they have expressed being valid objections. It is therefore that I would urge the impartial people who review this application to look on it with open and fair eyes and hopefully find in favour of a much needed facility for the families of selfless members of our armed services in their hour of need. Goodness knows doing our little bit for them wouldn’t require any more effort other than to say yes and is the least we can do.

Yours sincerely,

Ord Sgt

I quite like it.

Ord Sgt that is an excellent letter, a really good mix of facts and from the heart. Also a good dollop of HM forces common sense to boot.

Just seen my letter up there too.

Keep those letters coming ladies and gents.

Lots more letters now posted on the Mole Valley Website

May I also add this....

Actions On, infiltration.

Eventually one of the "objectors" may find themselves on this site, I would advise all posters of ARRSE maintain weapons tight, rather than a more robust ARRSE welcome.

We'll steal the moral high ground and stay on it.

I am once again filled with pride at the exceptional solidarity and quality of campaign being displayed, of which I am honoured to play a small part. Our time will not have been wasted, nor the effort have been in vain on this, whatever the outcome.

Missive emailed and snailed in to Mole Valley Council. Who else needs to be ARRSEd?




Edited for missing a vital word.... mong tsk!

Just to remind everyone about who we are fighting for (and to advert those who may visit the thread :D )

Headley Court

Originally Posted by Sven

Just to remind everyone about who we are fighting for (and to advert those who may visit the thread :D )

Headley Court

Good link mate. Might help those on the outside to understand better.

Originally Posted by .Dolly

I am once again filled with pride at the exceptional solidarity and quality of campaign being displayed, of which I am honoured to play a small part. Our time will not have been wasted, nor the effort have been in vain on this, whatever the outcome.

Missive emailed and snailed in to Mole Valley Council. Who else needs to be ARRSEd?




Edited for missing a vital word.... mong tsk!

Hello Dolly!

Get letters sent to your MP and the MP for Ashstead (my mind has gone blank regarding his name, but I'm sure another ARRSER can remember!)

BTW - ready for the next ARRSE 10k?

Cheers

Farmboy